Authorities Searching For Man In Courthouse Bomb Threat Case

WAUKESHA, WI – After a report of a bomb threat at The Waukesha County Courthouse Monday morning, the building has been searched and authorities have determined that the building is now safe.

Waukesha Sheriff's Captain Frank McElderry said in a press conference that Monday's events were "stressful at times," including the evacuation from the courthouse.

As part of their investigation, Waukesha Sheriff's officials have identified a person of interest in the case, and have identified a man and the vehicle he was driving. Now they're asking for the public's help to track him down.

"We believe he has information that could help us with our case right now," McElderry said. Authorities describe the man as middle-aged, wearing a blue sweatshirt. He has a mustache and beard and was last seen driving a blue Dodge pickup truck. Authorities are asking anyone with information to please contact Detective Friedbacher at (262) 424-9082.

Waukesha County Sheriff Eric Severson said he first learned of the tip at just before 9 a.m. when a tipster contacted FOX 6 in Milwaukee, who then alerted Severson of the threat. Authorities say a second call was received at 9:10 a.m., by Waukesha County Communications from a second anonymous tipster, who provided similar information to the first call.

"We had about eight minutes to do an analysis. I made the determination that discretion was the better part here," Severson said. "I'm satisfied we took the safest course of action."

At a press conference, Severson said the tipster warned that there were a total of five bombs planted in the building with the first one set to go off at 9 a.m. No bombs have gone off, nor have authorities indicated that any bombs have been recovered.

Severson said the Milwaukee County bomb squad and local officials are searching the Waukesha County Courthouse complex with staff and bomb-sniffing dogs to determine if any dangerous weapons were, in fact, placed.

Severson said the courthouse complex will remain closed Monday.

Members of the public should not attempt to enter these facilities until further notice, authorities said in a statement Monday morning.